Prefrontal Cortex and Executive Functions Overview

Prefrontal Cortex

Cortical region for executive functions and behavior control.

Executive Functions (EF)

Cognitive processes for decision making and behavior regulation.

Lateral Prefrontal Cortex

Supports goal-oriented behavior and working memory.

Medial Prefrontal Cortex

Guides and monitors behavior based on internal states.

Frontal Pole

One of four subdivisions of the prefrontal cortex.

Medial Frontal Cortex

Another subdivision contributing to executive functions.

Bottom-Up Processing

Behavior driven by sensory stimuli and automatic responses.

Top-Down Processing

Behavior guided by internal goals and intentions.

Cognitive Inhibition

Suppressing dominant mental representations to control behavior.

Working Memory

System for holding and manipulating transitory information.

Behavioral Shifting

Changing behavior based on situational demands.

Simulating Consequences

Anticipating outcomes of actions before execution.

Conditioned Responses

Automatic behaviors learned through past experiences.

Neural Pathways

Connections that link stimuli to corresponding responses.

Prepotent Responses

Dominant, habitual responses needing suppression.

Association Cortex

Region integrating sensory and motor information.

Goal-Directed Behavior

Actions aligned with achieving specific objectives.

Anticipation

Predicting future events based on current information.

Abstract Concepts

Ideas formed from general principles and rules.

Inhibition

Suppressing responses to align with goals.

Activation

Initiating responses based on internal or external cues.